As she closed the door of her suite behind her, she leaned against it and let out her breath in a whoosh. Then she laughed aloud as she suddenly realised how far she’d stepped right out of her rut today. She’d headed back to lay her childhood ghosts, prevented a robbery and met a gorgeous man, who’d invited her to dinner.

Nothing would come of it – she’d never see him again after today – but just wait till she told Sarah about this little adventure!

She walked round the suite, enjoying the luxury. It was large and beautifully appointed, with a sitting room, bathroom, small kitchen and separate bedroom. She’d never have been to afford this, or rather, she’d never have spent as much money on one night’s accommodation as this no doubt cost normally.

As she looked out of the window at tranquil formal gardens backed by a glorious sunset sky, her spirits lifted. There was nothing like a dash of luxury for lifting your spirits.

She unpacked rapidly, deciding to wear the new dress she’d fallen for last time she was in Cheltenham. She’d been in two minds as to whether to bring it. Thank goodness she had done! Half an hour wasn’t nearly long enough to get ready, though. She tried two different hairstyles, then in desperation clipped her hair into a high knot of curls and teased a few strands out to soften her face.

Smoothing the dark green material of the dress over her hips, she twisted round to see the side view. Life would, she thought for about the millionth time, be a lot easier if she didn’t have such generous breasts. Her sort of curves had gone out with Marilyn Monroe. Thin was in these days, but she wasn’t into starvation and a life on lettuce leaves.

There was a knock on the door and she cast a last frantic glance in the mirror before opening it. Heavens, he was even more gorgeous than she’d remembered!

His eyes were warmly approving. ‘You look lovely, Megan.’

‘Oh. Well, um, thank you.’ She never had known how to deal smoothly with compliments. Perhaps because her aunt and uncle weren’t into lavish praise.

As she looked into his smoky grey eyes, the world receded for a moment and she could only stand there, trying to think of something casually confident to say – and failing. In fact, she couldn’t think of a single word, let alone a whole string of them. Someone should put a blanket over her head and lead her away quietly.

She suddenly realised he’d said something else and was waiting for an answer. ‘Sorry. I – um – didn’t catch that.’

‘I thought we might have a drink in the bar first.’

She nodded. ‘That’d be lovely.’